VTIC Quarterly Forum: 'International Students - Can Victoria repair its tarnished reputation?' - 30 September 2009

On Wednesday 30 September, industry professionals gathered to hear a panel of industry experts present and discuss the challenges facing Victoria's international educational sector and the implications for the Victorian tourism industry.

VTIC Chair, Jeremy Johnson opened the forum explaining the value of international education to the industry, ‘International education is worth $15.5 billion dollars to the Australian economy, with Victoria leading the charge in the provision of quality learning opportunities for international students.  Education is Victoria's biggest export earner.  The numerous challenges facing this sector of late, have been well publicised and have broad tourism implications for Victoria and Australia.’

Delegates were posed with the questions; is the reputation of Victoria as a safe place to study and visit at risk?  Are we as an industry truly committed to providing quality tourism and educative experiences?  If so what is the way forward?

Throughout the afternoon the following international students and industry experts alike shed some light on these questions and more:

• Andrew Trounson, Journalist for the Australian – Provided a perspective on local and international media’s representation of international student’s issues.
• Kuldeep Jaladi and Robby Singh, City of Darebin's 'DIVE IN' project involving community engagement of international students - Presented on their personal experiences, the broader issues faced by international students and provided a brief overview of the project they're working on.
• Nicholas Hunt, CEO of William Angliss - Provided a perspective on challenges faces by reputable tertiary providers in the face of recent international student issues.

The evening finished with networking drinks and canapés supplied by Original Foods, the sustainable catering company and our sponsor Mitchelton wines.